Malawi artist expresses need for originality

The use of pre-recorded instrumentals is said to be one of the reasons hindering the growth of the music industry in the country.

According to one of the dancehall music pioneers in Malawi, Binge, real name Chikumbutso Mpunga, artists need to record their own instrumentals for production of their music.

He said much as it is common, the development has its disadvantages as artists just download instrumentals online and do not have time to work on their own. They proceed to the studio only to record voices.

“With this development, artists bar themselves from exploring and developing their capabilities further.

Binge: Original

“I would like to advise fellow artists to be extra serious in whatever they are doing and to minimise the use of these instrumentals in their work. Sometimes this is even done without the owner’s permission which is piracy,” said Binge.

The artist said despite the increase of copy and paste artists in the industry dancehall music has gained prominence.

“Dancehall music has won the hearts of many people in the country and despite everything, there are a lot of artists who are working very hard in this industry,” said he.

His DVD titled Kwacha vol.1 was launched at Mzuzu Hotel on Sunday. It has a compilation of eight music videos, done in the dancehall genre.

Some of the tracks are Businessman, Ukhale, It’s Over, Wangabe and Plastic Material.

“The compilation also includes a song titled Mukazi Wapanyumba which I did with Major C from Zambia who once came here with Baska Baska.

“It is a very interesting and educative compilation from which people will learn a lot. With its message, style and tunes; it is targeting everyone from the young to the older generation. Apart from that, the videos are also very nice,” said the Lilongwe-based artist.

The Zovala hit maker, however, could not fail to mention the death on August 11 of youthful and talented Mafunyeta, real name Patrick Magalasi, as a big blow to the dancehall music fraternity.